The Lovely Carol Lynne

I've read some of Carol's work and can vouch that it's wonderful. I was happy to be able to sit down with her. Enjoy this interview.

1. How did you get your start writing gay fiction and/or erotica? Please tell us a bit about your background and early beginnings. 

In 2006, I was really into reading ménage books. However, most of the ménages I could find out there were M/F/M erotic romances. I couldn’t quite figure out how you could have two naked men in a bed and not have them touch and enjoy each other as much as they were obviously enjoying the woman in the relationship. In June of that year, it hit me. I needed to sit down and write the kind of ménage I wanted to read. I’m not sure why I thought I could write a novel because I’d never attempted such a thing, but I did it. Oddly, it only took about two weeks, and I had a finished story. I honestly didn’t know any better because I was so new to the internet. Hell, I didn’t even know what a blog was. I sent off my manuscript to Ellora’s Cave because I had a couple of their print books that I’d purchased at my local bookstore. I received a contract on that story, Branded by Gold, on my 41^st birthday. Talk about one of the highest moments of my life!

(Nathan: Congrats! Most authors don't get that lucky, especially not with their first story).

2. What inspires you?

There’s nothing like watching people. When I see an older couple who still hold hands it makes me a tad weepy. Dammit, why have I never been able to find that kind of love? I enjoy matching up people in my mind that I see at airports or malls. I love to sit and create an entire story for people who are complete strangers to me and each other.

3. What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?

Hmmm, there are really two answers to this question. On a professional level, I enjoy creating characters that aren’t perfect. My favorites are those who society considers damaged in some way. Those are the men I want to find love for. I strive to give them that one person who compliments them and has the ability to show them life is worth living. Yeah, that makes me happy as a writer.

(Nathan: That's a very noble goal). 

On a personal level, writing has given me more than I could ever repay. It allowed me to escape an unhealthy situation. I’m proud that I’m able to stand on my own two feet and raise my two little girls with the money I make from the characters I love. I work extremely long hours, but my daughters understand, and I believe they’re proud of me for taking charge of my own life.

4. If you had to choose, which one of your novels do you like the most and why?

I have several favorites and all for different reasons. I love No Longer His because it allowed me to work out issues I struggled with in my personal life. Finnegan’s Promise allowed me to work through unresolved issues with my father after his death. And, the Seasons of Love series is my newest favorite. The entire four book series deals with one couple, spanning forty-years of their lives together. Because I was unable to work through issues with my own marriage, I’m trying to work my characters through the challenges a long-term partnership might face. There’s nothing earth shattering about the problems they deal with, but they’re issues that could easily end a partnership without communication. I love the commitment to each other that my characters have.

5. If you had a message for your readers and fans, what would it be?

I would like to tell each and every one of them how much I appreciate their continued support. Writing is such a lonely occupation, and without the emails and support from my yahoo group, I’m not sure I’d stay as sane as I hope I am. LOL

(Nathan: I agree. Fans and readers, you rock!)

Carol can be reached at the following sites, as well as Amazon:

http://www.carol-lynne.net http://www.cattlevalley.net http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CarolLynne_EroticRomance/